The European Union’s ban on single-use plastic is already into effect. We understand the challenges and pressures businesses face to find a sustainable alternative without compromising the quality, and that is where Hello Straw comes in!
Wooden Cutlery
The most popular alternative to plastic cutlery currently available on the market is wooden cutlery. The main reason wood is the most favoured option is because it is the cheapest. However, consumers don’t actually consider why these disposables are cheaper than others, such as paper cutlery.
Why is wooden cutlery cheaper?
Wooden cutlery is cheaper than paper cutlery because the raw material requires less handling and transforming. Although it is cheaper, it comes with many disadvantages:
- Exposed to chemicals during the washing and fumigating processes. For bamboo cutlery, abrasive chemicals and dyes are used to get the finished product.
- Wooden cutlery can contaminate food with its strong odour and oily resins.
- Wooden cutlery has splinters or cracks, which can potentially cause harm to the user.
- Wood takes around 3 months to fully decompose and bamboo takes up to 3 years.
- Wooden cutlery is not recyclable.
- The options for customization are very limited.
What is a better option?
Paper cutlery is the best alternative to single-use items from wood and plastic. Even though it is not as cheap as wood, it comes with many advantages:
- No chemicals are used during the manufacturing process.
- Paper cutlery has no taste or odour.
- Due to the smooth surface and nature of the material used, there is no risk of harm when using the product.
- It only takes 2 to 6 weeks for the product to fully decompose, both home and industrial composting is possible.
- Paper cutlery is fully recyclable.
- Paper cutlery can be customized with different colors and prints, and shaped into any form or design.
Paper Cutlery as the Future of Sustainable Disposables
As the world moves towards reducing single-use plastics, businesses are faced with the challenge of selecting disposable products that not only meet environmental standards but also offer quality and safety. While wooden cutlery presents an affordable and accessible alternative to plastic, its drawbacks limit its appeal.
Paper cutlery, though slightly more costly, stands out as the superior choice for businesses prioritizing sustainability. Its chemical-free production, fast decomposition, and full recyclability make it the most environmentally-friendly option on the market. For businesses aiming to make an impactful commitment to sustainability, paper cutlery offers a well-rounded solution that aligns with both ecological and customer satisfaction goals.
Would you like to learn more?
